Automatic musical instrument



June 21,1927. 1,633,487

C. MAERTEN. JR

AUTOMATIC MUSICAL INSTRUMENT Filed June 1.6, 1924 6 Sheets-Sheet l June 21,1927. 1,633,487

C. MAERTEN, JR

AUTOMATI C MUS I CAL INSTRUMENT Filed June 16, 1924 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 1,633,487 c. MAERTEN, JR

AUTOMATIC MUS I CALL INSTRUMENT June 21, 1927.

Filed June 16, 1924 e Sheets-Shut 4 A kw l/X I June 21, 1927.

1,633,487 c. MAERTEN, JR

AUTOMATIC MUS ICAL INSTRUMENT Filed June 16, 1924 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 Aria/W Y5 Y5 June 21,1927. I 1,633,487

C. MAERTEN, JR

AUTOMATIC MUSIGAL INSTRUMENT Filed June 16. 1924 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 /f v in! l Ill l I I II fizz 03 /f9 A770 /?A/ 45.

Patented June 21, 1927.

UNITED STATES,

PATENT OFFICE.

CHRISTIAN MAERTEN, JR., OF NORTH TONAWANDA, NEW YORK, ASSIGNOR TO ARTIZAN FACTORIES, INC., 01 NORTE TONAVIANDA, NEW YORK.

AUTOMATIC MUSICAL INSTRUMENT.

7 Application filed J'unelG, 1924. Serial No. 720,266.

to'fore been proposed, the note sheet and the tracker are :ontined in an air-tight chamber into which the compressed air is introduced. in such a manner that when the perforations register with the ducts in the tracker, the compressed air flows in through the perforated sheet and tracker to the controlling or actuating pneumatics or devices for operating the speaking devices.

Various objections attend the use of instruments of this type as, owing to thetact that compressed air passes through the note sheet and tracker, it is necessary to provide screens or dust collectors to rid the air of accumulations of dust, particles of paper from the note sheet and the like, andto make provision for cleaning the screens and re- 3 mcwing the accunuilations of dust, etc, and

a relatively high pressure is required to operate the instrument, which makes necessary the use of considerable power, as, in addition to providing the necessary air pressure a; for the speaking instruments, additional. pressure is required in the chamber for the note sheet and tracker wherewith to operate the actuating devices.

Still other instruments of this character are operated by suction. These instruments, as is well known, are controlled by the relief of the suction by the admission of air at atmospheric pressure through the note sheet perforations and the tracker. Dust collectors or screens are required in these machines for the same reasons stated above. hiloreover, a relatively large amount of power is required to operate this type of instrument, as. in addition to the power required to actuate the bellowsfor compressing air for operating the speaking devices, power is required to operate the suction bellows for the controlling mechanism. Further loss of power results from the fact that, as wood is chiefly used to make the various ducts and operating parts of the instrument, there is considerable actual leakage 01 suction through the pores of the wood.

The principal object of the invention is to provide an improved and practical automatic musical instrument in which compressed air is utilized in conjunction with a thin or flexible paper note sheet, and in which the various control-ling devices thereof are arranged in a novel manner so as to be actuated by relieving the compressed air outwardly through the tracker ducts and the registering perforations in the note sheet. I

Other objects are to simplify and substan tially reduce the number of parts of instruments of this sort; also to provide an in strument in which the power required for its operation is reduced to a minimum, and which is easy to operate and is not liable to get out of order; alsoto provide an improved practical and simple pressure device for yieldingly holding the note sheet on the tracker against the outward pressure of the compressed air; also to provide a simple,

practical means for cutting oi? the supply of compressed air to the various pneumatics and control valves when desired; also to improve and simplify generally, instruments of this kind in the other respects hereina't'ter specified and claimed.

In the accompanying drawings, which disclose a practical embodiment of the invention: V

Fig. 1 is a sectional elevation of the casing, showing the operative parts of an automatic musical instrument, actuated by compressed air in accordance with the invention.

2 is a diagrammatically arranged sectional elevation showing the positions of the various controlling pneumatics and devices when the note sheet is moving in playing direction.

Fig. 3 is a similar view of a number of t re Darts shown in Fi 2 disclosin the relative operative relation of these the note sheet is being rewound.

Fig.4 is a sectional elevation of the main cutoff device which controls the supply of compressed air to the various pneumatics and actuating devices of the instrument, showing the same in cutting off position.

' Fig. 5 is a fragmentary horizontal section.

parts when thereof on line 5+5, Fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is a view similar to Figs. 2 and 3, showing the position of the parts when a note sheet perforation is in register with a tracker duct, to sound one of the speaking devices of the instrument.

Figs. 7 and 8 are respectively a horizontal and a vertical section of the diaphragm pouches for the tracker ducts.

F in: 9 is a face view of the beginning and finish ends of the note sheet in relation to the tracker.

Figs. 10 and 11 are respectively a plan view and a vertical section of the hand valve for controlling the winding and rewinding' mechanism of the instrument independently of the note sheet.

Fig. 12 is a transverse sectional elevation of the valve chestand tracker cut off valve of the instrument on line 1212, Fig. 2.

Fig. 13 is av similar view of the valve chest on line 13-46. Fig. 2.

Fig. 1-t is a sectional elevation thereof on line l t-14 Fig. 12.

Figs. 15 and 16 are horizontal sections thereof on lines 1515 and 1(5-1G respectively, Fig, 12.

Fig. 17 is an elevation of a part of the drive mechanism for the note sheet. showing the means for actuating the relief valve for the main cut oil device.

Fig". 18 is a transverse vertical section of the tracker. note sheet and note sheet winding and rcwindingr rolls and the pressure roll tor holding the note sheet in contact: with the tracker.

Fig. 19 is a plan view ot the pressure roll and tracker. partly in section.

Fig. 20 is a fragmentary horimntal section of the tracker. showing a portion oi the pressure roll and note sheet in operative relation thereto.

Fig. 21 vertical section. on line :Zl-2l. Fig. 19 showing; a latch for holding: the pressure roll away from the note sheet and tracker.

Fig. 22 a sectional elevation of one end of: the guide carriage for the pr run-c roll.

The present invention applicable to instruments having one or more note sheets with a tracker bar and pirn'iellimr mechanism for each note sheet, but in the arrangement illustrated in the drawings only one note sheet is shown. tocjethcr with a tracl-zcr bar and note sheet wiudii and rewindingl" mechanism therefor. The .1! is provided with primary pneninatics. n indinc' and rewindinepneumatic-": a main cut ott device and a tracker cut oil' valve. together with a valve chest. all (it which. while con tructed along the lines oi similar members disclosed in my copending; application for Letters Patent Serial llofGStTlfi tiled Jan. 7, 1921-, are differently arranged to permit them to be actuated through the medium of compressed air. The instrument coniprises generally the usual wind chest 10, a plurality of pneumatic pouches or diaphragms 11 and pallets 12 actuated thereby for controlling the admission of con'ipressed air from the wind chest to the various speaking instruments or devices. one ol which is shown at 13. Compressed air is supplied to the wind chest 10 from the usual pump bellows or reservoirs 1-1; actuated by link connections 15 from the crank sha'tt 16 which is rotated from any suitable source of power. A plurality of primary pneumatics or valve boxes 17. connected with passages 15 leading from the ducts 18 ot' the tracker bar A. and controlled by the registration of the note perforations 7) of the note sheet I; with the tracker ducts 18, are adapted to admit air pressure to the pouches 11 to open the pallets 12 and thereby cause the instruments 13 to speak. The note sheet I? arranged to be moved over the tracker by a note sheet winding and rewindingr mechanism 0, which may be of any suitable ctaistruction. but which preferably is C01']f"tt1(!t@tl and adapted to be operated substantially like the note sheet winding and rewinding mechanism shown and described in my copcndinr application for Letters Patent Fflerial No. 6 54.- 715 filed January 7, 192%, that is as tollows:'lhe note sheet. as usual. is se ured on a delivery and rewindinc' roll 2t) trom which it adapted to pass over the tracker A and be wound upon a take-up roll 21 to play the instrument. The windina and rewinding mechanism (l is adapted to opcrate these rolls to first move the note sheet 1) in one direction, as for instancc, in the direction oi the arrow l lf j. l, for playing the instrument. and to then rewind the note sheet on the roll 20. .lhe mechanism 0, includes a sup iiortinn' tranie secured in the IlW'll'lllllGlllT as on the slit-it I). and the rolls 2t are journallcd in the 't'ramc and ca -li roll is provided with a clutch device which drives itin one direction and permits it to run free in the opposite direction, it drive shaft 2 iournalicd in the "frame 5 is provided with .e'cars 2i meshing r ective- 1v with a pinion 52:) on the shatt or the do livery roll E20. and a gear :26 on a counter shaft L4. The shaft 52? also carries a pinion meshingwith a gear 30 of the shaft for the takesup roll The pinion and gear 30 are loosely journalled and are adapted to move endwise on their sha""s. and each of these gears provided with lateral teeth adapted to engage with teeth on clutch meniiiers 31. 3'2 fined on the shatts of the rolls 20, 21 respectively. These clutch members 31. 32 and sliding gears 25 and 3:30 are so arranged and actuated that when either gear is moved to engage its clutch member for retating its shaft. the other will be moved out of eng'a ment with its clutch member. The gear 30. the winding gear and the llii gear is the rewinding gear. The means for alternately actuating these gears for winding and rewindinp; the note sheet B in cludes forked arms 83, 34 fixed to a rock shaft 35 journalled in the frame 22 and engaging grooved hubs on the gears 25, so that, by rocking the shaft in opposite directions, the clutches will be alternately moved into and out of position for rotating the rolls 20, 21. The rock shaft 35 is actuated by means hereinafter described. 'The means for rotatingrthe drive shaft 23 includes a variable speed device Ill, and means for connecting and dieconncctin said device to and from the shaft 23 to start and stop its winding mechanism. while the main drive shaft 16 is running. The drive shaft 16 is geared to and drives a counter shaft 36, which in turn is geared to and drives the variable speed device E. The disconneetinp, means for the device E includes a bearing slide 37 movable vertically in a guide 38 on the instrument case. and having pivotedthereto one end ot' atransmission sha'tt 39, which in turn has a universal joint connection 39 with an end of the drive shaft- 23. The shaft 39 carries a friction wheel 40 adapted to engage a driven cone of the variable speed device E. A crank journalled in the case of the instrument is provided with a cam or eccentric 43, see Fig. '17. engaging in an aperture otthe bearing slide 37, so that, by turning the crank 42, as by the l indle 44,-, the cam will lift the slide and disengage the't'riction wheel it) from the cone 41. The -friction wheel is splined on the shaft 39 and is adjustable lengthwise of the shaft for varying the speed oi travel of the note sheet, as by means o.-' a rod connected to the hub of the fric tier wheel. and movable axially relatively to said shalt by means of a hand nut 46 or the inc; the screw threaded end oi the other side of the instrument vices by the registration of the note sheet,

perforations with the tracker ducts. The devices are arranged on a detachable panel 53, secured in the instrument case. The pneumatics 59, 51 are preferably arranged on opposite faces ot a bracket secured on the panel 53, see Figs. 13, and compressed air is admitted to these pneumatics through passages 55, 56, in the bracket and connecting passages 57, 58 respectively in the panel 53. The passages 57, 58 connect with ports 59, 60 in a valve chest F, detachably secured on the panel 53, said ports communicating at one end with a compressed air chamber 61 in the valve chest, and at the opposite end opening into the atmosphere at. the bottom of the chest. ll hen the instrument is in operation, the chamber (31 is constantly supplied with compressor air from the main bellows or reservoir i l, through a duct (32 leading into a main cut oli valve (1*, and a duct 63 leading; from the valve G to a passage (lit in the panel 53 and which opens into the chamber 61.

The pneumatics 50, 51 are coupled to gether by a bar 'Ttl'pivoted to the movable walls of the pneumatics, so that when one of the pneumatics is expanded by the ad n ission of compressed air thereto, the other pneumatic is positively collapsed. This alternatingmovement of the pneumatics is utilized to actuate the clutches 32 :tor the note sheet control, preterablyby 0peratively connecting" the bar '70 by a link 71 to a. lined arm 72 on the rock shaft The admission of compressed air to the winding; and rewinding pncnmatics 51 to alternately operate th.c1n,is controlled by means of the valve chest l before mcntioned, and ducts 73, '("l in the tracker A. see Fig, l, which are respectively adapted to cooperate with a winding}; perforation T5 at the beginning end 01"? the note sheet, and a rewind perjoration 76 at the finish end thereof, see Fig. 9.

The port 59 of the valve chest 3? is adapt ed to be alternately placed into connnunication with the chamber 61 and with the at mosphere by means of a playing; valve 80 having valve members 81, 852 secured on a stem 83, and the other port 60 is similarly controlled by a rewind valve Sat having; valve members-85, 86 on another stem 83. Through the medium of the tracker ducts 73, 74: and the note sheet perforations 75, 76 before mentioned, the valves are alternately actuated to open the ports 59, 69 to the chamber 61 so that compressed air from chamber 61 is admitted alternately to the winding pneumatic by way oi port 59 and pas- 5'7 and 55, and to the rewinding pneumatic 51 by way of the other port 60, and passages 58 and Each valve stem 83 passes upwardly through the chamber 61 and its upper end is connectedto a ciaphragm or movable wall of a pouch or act ve sting pneumatic 87. Communication is provided for between the tracker A and the valve chest F for controll' the valves 80, Si, to operate the pneumatics 50, 51 respectively, by means of the tracker ducts 7 '74; before mentioned which are respectively connected to the ports 59, by conduits 92, 92

ill]

and 93. 93, see 1. The conduit 92, see i e's. 12 to 16, connects with a passage 91 In a removaole cover plate 95, secured to the valve chest by si'a'ews or the like, and the passage 91 is provided with a branch pas see 90 ending in the port 60, and a. branch 9? and a. bleeder port 08 communiwith the pouch 87 of the playing valve 80. The other conduit is similarly connected to a pa re 99, having a branch passage 100 ending; in port 59, and a branch passa e 101 and bleeder port 102 communieating with the other pouch S? of the rewind 'alve Set.

Assuming the parts to be in playing po: sition. as indicated in Figs. 1, E2, 9, 12 and 13. with the note sheet winding on the take up roller 21, the playing pneumatic will be expanded. to hold the winding clut h 32 ot' the mecha ism C in driving position. while the rewind pneumatic 51 will be collapsed to hold the rewind clutch 31 in its inoperative position. At the time the winding valve 80 is in position (shown in F 1g. to open the port 59 to the compressed air chamber (51 and close it to the atmosphere, and the rewind valve 8 1 is in position to cut oti' port 60 from the chamber .31 and open it to the atmosphere. Consequently the compressed air from chamber 01 can pass, by way of ducts 57 and to pneumatic .10 to hold it expanded, while ducts and are open to the atmosphere by way of port 00, thus relieving the pressure in. and permitting the rewind pneumatic 51 to remain collapsed.

As soon however, as rewind perforation T0 of the note sheet registers with the re wind duct 7%: of the tracker, the compress air in the pouch S? of rewind valve 81 will be relieved. by way of conduits 93, 93, passage 99, branch 101 and bleeder 102, thus permitting the compressed air in chamber 01 to collapse the diaphragm of the pouch, close the port 60 to the atmosphere by means of valve member 80, and open this port to the chamber (31 by the lifting of member 85. At the same time, the compressed air will enter the port 50 and pass through passages 96, 01-, branch 97 and blecder as to the pouch 8? of the winding valve 80. and expand the pouch and lower the valve so as to seal the upper end of port 50 from the chamber 01 and open its lower end to the atmosphere. This results in relieving the winding pneumatic 50 of air pres sure, by way of the ducts 5? and port .30. The compressed air in chamber (31, now entering the port 60, will lass therethrough by way of ducts 58 and to the rewind pneiunz'u c 51, ereby causing it to expand as shown in 3. his movement is transmitted throi g the coupling bar '70 and link '7 1 to arm of reel: shaft 35, causing it to move the rewind clutch 31 to rewinding position and release the winding clutch lVhen the note sheet has been fully rewound the winding perforation thereof will register with the winding duct '73 of the tracker, causing the rcwii'iding pneumatic 51 to be exhausted by the relief of the compressed air therefrom outwardly through port 00, and the relief of pouch 87 of winding valve through the duct '73, conduits 92, 92, passage 9t, branch 97 and bleeder 98, as before. Itis necessary. after the winoing valve 80 has been lil ed, as explained, to maintain it in such lifted position to prevent the entrance of air into port 59 during the playing of the note sheet, as otherwise the pneumatic might be relieved sufficiently to place the rewind clutch 31 in operative position. A. spring; 10% is provided in the valve chest 1 for his purpose, which spring acts on the stem of valve 80 to hold the member 82 against the bottom of port 59. The spring is only strong cnoitigh to do this while the pouch S7 of the valve is relieved, and as soon as the perforation 7G registers with duct 7-11: of the tracker the compressed air will enter the pouch by way of bleeder 9S and the spring will be depressed.

It is desirable to be able to actuate the winding and rewinding clutches for the note sheet at will, independently of the automatic control. by the note sheet just described, in order to repeat a. desired selection on the note sheet, or to rewind the note sheet and play one or another selection therein with out waiting until the end of the note sheet is reached. F or this purpose a hand con trolled valve H, Fig. 1, is provided. 'lhis valve, see Figs. 10 and 11, is formed with a lined part 100. secured on the shelf 1) or otherwise, and having a port 101 into which the adjacent ends of the conduits 92, 0i. connect, and a port 108 into which the conduits 93, 93 connect. A valve member 109 pivot-ally secured on the part 100, is provided with air ports 110, 111 which are adapted to be broughtinto register with the ports 107, 1.08 respectively. These ports 110, 111 are so spaced that only one of them can register with its respective portat one time. The ports 110, 111 correspond, in eli'e t, to the winding and rewinding perfoetrons T5 and '76 and control the winding and rewindim, mechanism by the relief of the air out through the hand valve ports, as in the case of said perforations 75 and 76. By swinging the valve member 109 on its pivot in one direction, the ports 10? and 109 will register to actuate the playing pneumatic 50, and by swinging it farther in the same direction the ports 108, 111 will re r and actuate the rewind pneumatic 51, by the relief of the air pressure through the described connections of these valves with the valve chest F.

Each of the primary pneumatics 17 before mentioned, is adapted to connect two coni- )ressed air passages 112, 113 preferably formed in a panel 114. The passages 112 receive compr ssed air .from a chamber 115 which is under air pressure from the conduit control valve G, and a conduit 116 leading from the control valve to the chamber 115. Each primary pneumatic 17 is provided with a valve 117 arranged in a compr' with the passage 112, said valve being adapted to normally cut oil the chamber 118 from the passa e 113 and open this passage to the atinospuere through a port 119. When a note p oration Z) of the note sheet sters with a note duct 18 in the tracker prci-aaure in a pouch 120 oi the corresponding eriniary pneumatic out- \vardly through the registering duct and note sheet perforations, causing the valve 117 to be lifted to close the atmosphere port 119 and establish communication between the passages 112, 11d of that pneumatic and permittin compressed air to pass from the chamber 115 to one of the pouches 11 to depress the pallet 12 for he companion speaking devices 13,, see Fig. 6.

Each ot the conduits 18 leading; from the note ducts 18 of the tracker, is provided, between the tracker and the primary pneumat-lo 17, with a cut off diaphragm pouch or device 122, said pouches being preferably all arranged in a diaphragm box 123 secured in the instrument, beneath the shelf D, see Figs. 1, 2, 7 and, 8. The diaphragms 122 of these pouches are adapted to remain expanded or distended, as shown in Fig. 2, during the time that the note sheet is moving in the playing direction, so that, as the note sheet passes over and opens the ducts 18 of the tracker, the airpressure in the pouches of the primary pneumatics 17 will be relieved through the conduits 18 by way of the pouches 122 as hereinafter explained. The pouches are constructed and/arranged substantially as shown in my application Serial No. 684,715 before mentioned and are not here described in detail.

Means are provided to close the pouch diaphragms 122 during the rewinding of the note sheet B over the tracker A, so as to prevent the sounding of the speaking instruments during that time. This means, asshown, comprises the cut off valve 02 before mentioned which is preferably similar in operation to the primary pneumatics 17 and comprises a compressed air chamber 124- con'ununicating withthe source of. compre sod air, as by a conduit 125 which connects it with the chamber -61 of the valve chest 1*". T he chamber 124 has a port 126 connected by a conduit 126 with the pouches 122, and this port is normally closed to the compressed air chamber124 and is opened.

sed air chamber 118 con'miunicating,

to the atmosphere by means of a valve 127 so that, during the playing of the note sheet, air may pass from the back of the pouches by way of conduit 126 and port 126 to relieve the pressure at that side of the diaphragms 122 and permit the compressed air from the pneumatics 17 to till the conduits 18, which conduits can then be relieved by the note sheet perforations as explained. The cut oil valve is further provided with a pouch 128 which is normally inflated by compressed air introduced therein by way oi? a passage 129 leading from the chamber 1241 and having a bleeder pprt 180 communicating with the pouch.

the diaphragins 122 181 arranged to open and close an air 182, which connects with the pouch The valve 131 is arranged to close the duct 182 during the playing travel of the note sheet, see so that the cut oil diaphragms 122 may remain open ordistended, and the valve is adapted to open the duct 1 during the rewinding of the note sheet to relieve the pouch 128 and permit the cut off valve 127 to close port 126 to the atmosphere and open it to the compressed air chamber 121- so that compressed air may pass to the cut oii' pouches 122 by way of conduit 125 and, by exerting pressure there in, move the pouch diaphragms 122 against and cut oil communication betw en the adjacent ends of the conduits 18 which enter the diaphragm box 123 and terminate in said diaphragms by sealing said adjacent ends. The duct 132 is preferably arranged in a board 135 secured on the panel 53 adjacent the playing pneumatic- 50, so that when this pneumatic is expanded, its movable wall presses a spring strip 133 against the valve 131 and presses the valve against the port to close it to theatmosphere.

hen the pneumatics 50, 51 are actuated to move the clutches of mechanism C to rewind the note sheet, the pneumatic 50 moves by means of a flap valve duct 128.

away from the valve 181 and permits it to uncover the relief port 132, thereby relieving the pouch 128 and causin the diaiihragms 122 to be closed as explained, and shown inFig. 3. v

It is desirable that'n'ieans be provided for cutting oil the supply of compressed air to the conduits '3, 116 so that the various pneumatics and other actuating devices of the instrument may be rendered inoperative at will, while nevertheless maintaining air pressure in the wind chest 10, to permit the arious speaking instruments or devices 13 to be manually actuated and tested, or for other reasons. The main cut ofi' device Gr before mentioned is preferably provided for this purpose. This valve is substantially similar in construction and operation to, but of larger capacity than, the primary pneu- '80 rue cut oil valve 52 is actuated to close matics 1'7 and cut oil valve 52, and comprises a casing having a con'ipressed air chamber 138 into which the supply conduit: leads and an air chamber 139 communicating therewith by a port 14:), and with the atmosphere by another port L11. A valve 1 1-2 in the device G is adapted to normally close the port 1-721 and open tae port 1&0 to permit compressed air to pass from the chamber 138 to the chamber 1520 and to the conduits 63 and 116 which are connected with the latterchamber. The lower end of t e vlave 14 2 is connected to the movable all or diaphragm of a pouch 143 which is in communication with the chamber 138 by way oi a duct 1 19i and bleedcr port 145. lhe valve 142 is maintained in its lower position by relieving the pouch 1&3 through the port 1 1% to the atmosphere, and is raised to close the port 1-10 and open port 141 by means which prevents the compre yd air from being, relieved through port 1 11, thereby allowing the pressure in the pouch 1a?) to increase and equalize the pressure in said pouch with that in said chambers 135-5 and 13%) and permit the air pressure in chamber 139 to raise the diaphragm thereof and the valve 112. For this purpose the port l -l-l is connected by a conduit 116 to a relief valve 1116, which preferably arranged adjacent the variable speed device E, and having a stem or lever ll? adapted to be actuated by a finger 1418 on the crank shaft The. linger is positioned that, when the shaft 12 actuated to place the friction wheel elt) into engagement with the sp ed cone ll, it will engage the stem 1 M to open the valve and relieve the pouch 1 13.

When it is desired to cut oil the compressed air to prevent actuation of the various pneumatics and control devices, and to stop the winding and rewinding mechanism Q. the shaft 42 is actuated to lift the friction wheel +26 oll" of the cone -1 by means ot' the cam 43, and at the same time the linger M8 will move away from the stem Ll? and permit the valve 14:6 to close. The compressed air ill new build up in the pouch 1 18 of the device ti and equalize the pressure in said pouch with that of the chambers 138 and 139. This action will cause equal pressure on both sides of the diaphragm and also on both sides of the lower disk member of valve 142, thus neutralizing the action of these parts. but inasmuch as air pressure in the chamber 139 is acting on the lower side of the upper disk oi the valve H2, and atmospheric pressure is on the other side of this disk, the pressure in said chamber 139 will be sutlicicnt to raise said upper disk, and consequently the valve 142, to a position in which the lower valve disk will close port t!) and open port 1&1 to vent the conduits, pneumatics and control devices, so that they will not be inadvertently actuated by a residue of compressed air let't therein. thus preventing the inaccurate positioning of these parts and consequent improper o eration of the instrument when it is again started. The valve 1 12 will now be held in its upper position by the air pressure in chamber 138 as long as the relief valve 14;? is closed, as in Fig. at.

Owing to the l'act that a relatively thin paper note sheet is employed, and that the pressure of the compressed air is exerted outwardly through the tracker, means must be provided to maintain the note sheet in close contact with the tracker to prevent the es cape or leakage of the compressed air from the trackerbehind the note sheet, and to resistthe tendency oi? the compressed air to lift the note from the tracker and thereby prevent its proper operation. A pressure roll 150 is provided for this purpose. This roll 150 preferably compr'. s a cylindri -al body 151. having spaced parallel, relatively thin, annular bearing portions 152 spaced so as to engage the note sheet between the parallel rows of note perforations b therein and press the same against those portions of the tracker A which extend between the ducts 18" thereof. The pressure roll 150 is s pported and caused to bear yieldingly against the note sheet on the tracker in such a way that, should the note sheet be torn. or spliced, or for any reason have parts of unequal thickness, the roll will yield to let such irregular portions pass over the tracker, without causing the stopping of the instrument or tearing the note sheet.

In the embodiment shown in the drawings, see Figs. 18 to 22, these means include a sliding carriage 15:: having slide blocks 155 at the opposite ends oi the pressure roll in which reduced journals 156 secured to or formed in the ends of the roll 150 hear so to permit the :lree rotation of the roll. l lach oi? the slide blocks 155 is formed with oppositely disposed grooves 158 ada ited to receive a pair of guide bars 159 on a bracket. 160, one or which is secured adjacent each end oi" the tracker bar i and extends horizontally at right angles thereto, and parallel to each other. In the construction shown, the brackets 160 are secured to forwardly directed lugs 161 of the frame 22 of the mechanism C, and the tracker A may be socured between the opposite inner faces of the brackets, or in any other way. The slide blocks 155 are preferably connected to gether at their outer ends by a detachable cross bar 162, which completes the carriage 15-1 and permits movement of either block to be transmitted to the other so as to prevent the blocks from binding in the guide brackets. The pressure roll 150 thus adapted to move outwardly or away from the tracker by the means described, and said movements are yieldingly resisted, and the roll held in operative position by means of tension springs 163, one of which is connected to each guide block and to a fixed part of the frame 22, as to the lugs 161, said last connections being in rear of the tracker.

In the present construction, means are also preferably provided. for positively holding the pressure roll 156 away from its operative position, against the pull of the springs 163 for the purpose of adjusting or inspectingthe note sheet and for other reasons.-

Said means comprises a pivoted latch 16 i, normally depending from aiiXed part of the tracker mechanism as from a pivot bracket or lug 165 on the tracker, and arranged so as not to interfere with the nor mal operation of the instrument. The latch is provided with a finger 166, and by sliding the carriage away from the tracker to approximately the position shown in Fig. 21., the latch may be swung and the finger engaged behind the cross bar 162 to maintain the roll in retracted position. The'latch provides a simple and convenient means for holding the roll out of operative position, but any other suitable device may be provided for this purpose.

By utilizing compressed air for the operation of the control devices and pneumatics of an automatic instrument such as described, having a relativelythin paper note sheet, suction bellows and the necessary pumps, cranks and other connections there for may be dispensed with, and owing to the fact that the compressed air blows outwardly through the tracker, no dust or particles are sucked into the instrument as in the case of vacuum instruments, and no dust collectors or screening devices are needed The power necessary for driving the instru ment is materially reduced and the com pressed air may be supplied from a single reservoir or source for all of the actuating I and control devices as well astor the speakinn: devices. I

Theprovisiou of a thin paper note sheet enables a relatively light pressure roll to be used, which requires only'a slight spring tension to yieldingly maintain it in proper operative relation to the note sheet and tracker.

I claim as my invention 1. Inan automatic musical instrument, the combination of a plurality of speaking devices, individual pneumatic controlling means tor each of said devices including a primary pneumatic, a source of compressed air for operating said speaking devices and said pneumatics, a tracker, a perforated note sheet, and a winding roll for moving said note sheet over said tracker, said primary pneumatics being adapted to be automatically actuated for sounding said speaking; devices by the relief of the compressed air from said pneumatics outwardly through is opera said tracker and said note sheet directly to the atmosphere, said speaking devices and primary pneumatics being remote from said tracker and note sheet.

2. In a musical instrument, the combination of speaking devices, a. tracker, a peritorated note sheet, a whi l roll for moving said note sheet over said tracker pneumatic controlling means for s id speal crevices (iliSDOSGCl between said 7. king devices and said tracker, and a source of compressed air for operating said speaking devices and controlling means, said controlling means being}; adapted to be actuated ior sounding the speukingdevices by the relief of the compressed air from said controlling means outwardly through the tractor under the control of the traveling note sheet;

3. In a musical instrument, the combination of speaking devices, pneumatic controlling means for, each of said devices, a source of compressed air for operating'said speaking devices and said controlling means, a tracker, a perforated note sheet and a winding and rewinding mechanism for moving said note sheet over said tracker alternately'in opposite directions, said controlling devices being adapt -d to be actuated :tor sounding the speaking devices by the relief of the compressed air outwardly through the tracker when said note sheetis moving in the playing direction, and a tracker cut-ofi' for cutting oil the compressed air to the tracker to cause said speaking devices to remain silent when said note sheet is being rewound.

4:. In a musical instrument, the combination of a pneumatic playing action, a perforated note sheet controlling; said playing; action, a tracker, a driving mechanism for said note sheet including a roll on which the note sheet is wound for moving said sheet over said tracker, and a source of compressed air, connections between said source and said playing action whereby said compressed air ely connected'to said playing action and adapted to operate the same by the relief of said compressed air outwardly through said tracker and note sheet.

5mln a musical inst ument, the combination of a pneumatic playing action, a perforated note sheet for controlling,' said playing action, a. tracker, a driving mechanism for said note sheet including a roll on which the note is wound for moving said sheet over said tracker, a source or" compressed air operatively connected to said playing action and adapted to operate the same by the reliet of said compressed air outwardly through said tracker and note sheet, a starting and stopping device for said note sheet driving mechanisn'i and a trackercut-oil adapted. to be actuated bv the starting and stopping}; device to cut oil the flow of compressed air to said tracker.

6. In a musical instrument, the combination of pneinnatic [:pCtIklDP; devices, pneumatic controlling devices therefor pneumatically connected thereto, a tracker. a pertunote soc-ct, driving inechar sin r said note sheet adapted to move the same over said tracker, pneumatic control devices for sa'd driving mechanism, a source o'l compressed air for said speaking devices and for said control devices, and an automatic control cutoii device adapted to cut ofi compressed air to said control devices when said driving ire hanism arrested.

T. In a musical instrument, the combine tion oil pneumatic speaking devices, pneimat'callv actuated operating devices for causing said devices to speak, pneumatic controlling; de 'ces tor actuating said operating; devices, a richer, a perforated note sheet, driving me ianism for said note sheet adapted to move the same over naid tracker, a mechanica source of power for said driving mechan l, pneumatic control devices for said driving mechanism. a source oi? conipre. d air tor said speaking devices for said operating devices, and for said control devices, and a control cut-olt device adapted to auton'iaticallv cut oil compressed air to said control devices and to vent the pressure therein by the t lisionnection of said driving mechanism from its source of power.

8. In a musical instrument the combinati 11 of pneuma'ic plavine' action, a note sheet in the form of a thin, continuous, peri erated strip for controlling said playing action, a tracker, means for moving said note sheet over said tracker, and a source o't compressed air operativel Y connected to said playing action and adapted to operate the Sit 1e hv the relief oi said con'ipressed air outwardly through said t'acker and note sheet.

9. in a musical instrument the combination of devices, pneumatic controlling each of said devices including apriiurv pneumatic, a source or con'ipresscd air for operatingsaid speaking devices and saio pneumatics, a t'acker, a note sheet in the term of a thin, continuous perlo 'ated strip, and means for moving-said note sheet over said tracker, said primary pneumatics hein; adapted to be actuated for sounding said speaking devices by the relief of: the compressed air from said pneumatics outwardly through said tracker and said note sheet.

10. In a musical instrument, the combination of pneumatic speaking devices, pneumatically operated actuating devices therelior, pneumatic controlling devices for opersaid actuatirg devices, a tracker, a perforated note sheet, drivinp' mechanism for said note sheet adapted to move the same over said tracker, a mechanical source of speakir power for said driving" mechanism, pneumatic control devices 'l'or said driving mechanism, a source of compressed air for said speaking devices, a conduit adapted to supply compressed air from said source to all of said control devices, a control cut-oil in said conduit, and means remote from said control cut-oil operating, When said driving: mechanism is disconnected from its mechanical source of power, to automatically actuate said pneumatic control devices.

11. in a musical instrument, the combination of pneumatic speaking devices, pneumaticall operatet actuating devices there for, pneumatic controlling deices tor operating said actuating devic a tracker, a porter-Mott note sheet, driving mechanism :tor said note sheet adapted to move the same over said tractor. a i'nechan'cal source oi power for said mechanism, pneumatic control devices for said. driving mechanism, a source oli'compressed air fli r said speaking devices, a conduit dtttPiCtl to supply coinpresscd air from said source to all oi said control devices, a control cut-pit in said (orduit including a valve and a pneumatic actuating device therefor, said pneumatic actuating device operating to automatiall v move said valve to cut oil' the compressed air to all of said control devices by the disconnection of said driving mechanism from its source ol power.

In a musical instrument, the comliination of pneumatic speaking devices, pneuniaticall operated actuating devices therefor, pneumatic controlling dev'ces lor op-- erating said actuating devices, a tracker, a perforated note sheet and driving mechanism for said note sheet adrpted to move the same over said tracker, a mechanical source oi: power lor said mech: ism, pneumatic control devices for said driving; mechanism. a source or compressed air for said speaking devices, a conduit adapted to conduct cou pre air from said source to all ol' said control, devices, an automatic control cut-oil in said conduit cmnprisii'ig a as-in a compresscd air chamlier tl erein into wl ch said conduit en t rclieli chandler 'l'rozn whi h d ci'induit ads to sul ipl} 1 re raanprcs-c i air to said control devices when said innient in operation. a p: coinu-cting c chambers and: port in s clici chainlier connecting itto the atmos valve in said casing adapted to open said tin p and lose said second port to permit said co npressed air to pass into said relief chann said control the instrument is in operation. and mar is operating automatically Irv the disconnection of said driving mecl a ism roin its source of power. to move said 'alve L-O close said iirst port to cut ell the con1- pressed l er and through said conduit to tlt'-.'l(?f5 when air to said cont-rel devices and to open said second port to the atmosphere to vent said. control devices by way of said conduit and relief chamber.

.13 In a musical. instrument, the combina tion of pneumatic speaking devices, pneumatically operated actuating devices therefor, pneumatic controlling devices for opcrating said actuating devices, a tracker, a perforated note sheet, driving mechanism for said note sheet adapted to move the same over said tracker, a mechanical source of power for said mechanism, means for disconnecting said mechanism from said source of power, a source of compressed air for said speaking devices, a conduit adapted to sup ply compressed air from said source to all of said control. devices, an automatic control cut oll' in said conduit including a valve adapted. to permit the passage of compressed air through said conduit to said control de vices when said instrument is in operation, a pneumatic pouch for actuating said valve, a port remote from said control device which maintains said pouch deflated and open to the atmosphere when said instrument is in operation, and means adapted to close said port to permit said pouch to be expanded by the compressed air in said control cut-off to actuate said valve and cut off the compressed air to said control devices, a part on said driving mechanism disconnecting means which is adapted to automatically act to actuate said port closing means by the disconnection of said driving mechanism from said source of power.

14. In a musical instrument, the combination of pneumatic speaking devices, pneumatically operated actuating devices therefor, pneumatic controlling devices for operating said actuating devices, a tracker, a perforated note sheet, a winding and re winding mechanism for said note sheet adapted to move said sheet over said tracker, a mechanical source of power for said mechanism, means for disconnecting the same from said mechanism, a pneumatic controlling device for said winding and rewinding mechanism, a source of compressed air for said speaking devices and all of said controlling devices, a tracker cut-oil adapted to be automatically actuated by said controlling device for Winding and rewinding pneumatic mechanism to cut-off the compressed air to said tracker when said note sheet is being rewound, and an automatic control cut-oil adapted to cut oil the compressed air to said controlling devices by the disconnection of said winding and rewinding mechanism from said source of power.

15. In a musical instrument, the combination of speaking devices, a tracker, a perforated note sheet, a winding roll for moving said note sheet over said tracker, pneumatic controlling means for said speaking devices disposed between said speaking devices and said tracker, and a source of compressed air for operating said speaking devices andcontrolling means, said controlling means being adapted to be actuated for sounding the speaking devices by the relief of the compressed air from said controlling means outwardly through the tracker under the control of the traveling note sheet, and a yield ing pressure device adapted to engage a face of said note sheet and hold the same against said tracker in opposition to the pressure exerted by the compressed air against. said note sheet.

16. In a musical instrument, the combination of speaking devices, a tracker, a perforated note sheet, a winding roll for m0ving said note sheet over said tracker, pneumatic controlling means for said speaking devices disposed between said speaking devices and said tracker, a source of'compresmd air for operating said speaking devices and controlling means, said controlling means being adapted to be actuated for sounding the speaking devices by the relief of the compressed air from said controlling means outwardly through the tracker under the con trol. of the traveling note sheet, and a pressure device having spaced bearing portions adapted to bear on the note sheet between the rows of perforations thereon, and means adapted to'hold said pressure device yieldably against said note sheet and hold the note sheet in engagement with said tracker.

17. In a musical instrument, the combination of a pneumatic playing action, a perforated note sheet controlling said playing action, a tracker, a driving mechanism for said note sheet including a roll on which the note sheet is wound for moving said note sheet over said tracker, a source of compressed air opcratively connected to said playing action and adapted to operate the same by the relief of said compressed air outwardly through said tracker and note sheet, a pressure roll adapted to bear on and yieldingly press said note sheet against said tracker, ournals on said roll, guide blocks for said journals, parallel guide ways to permit said roll to move toward and from said tracker, and means for yieldingly holding said roll in operative position.

18. In a musical instrument, the combination of a pneumatic pla ing action, a perforated note sheet controlling said playing action, a tracker, a driving mechanism for said note sheet including a winding roll on which the note sheet is wound for moving said sheet over said tracker, a source of compressed air operatively connected with said playing action and adapted to operate the same by the relief of said compressed air outwardly through said tracker and note sheet, a pressure roll adapted to bear on and press said note sheet against said tracker, journals on said roll, a movable carriage in which said journals bear, said irriage comprising opposite parallel slide blocks and a connecting har rigidly connecting said slide blocks, fixed guide ways for said blocks, springs for yieldingly holding said roll against said note sheet, and a pivoted latch normally disengaged from said carriage and adapted to he moved to a position in which it will engage said carriage and hold said pressure roll ofi' of said note sheet against the action of said springs, to permit access to said note sheet and tracker.

19. In a musical instrument, the combination of a pneumatic playing action a perforated note sheet controlling said playing action a tracker, a driving mechanism for said note sheet including a roll on nhcih the note sheet is Wound for moving said sheet orer said tracker a source of compressed air operatively connected to said playing action and adapted to operate the same by the relief of said compressed air outwardly through said tracker and note sheet, a sup port on which said driving mechanism, said tracker and said Winding roll are adapted to be mounted, a pressure roll adapted to bear on and press said note sheet against said tracker, journals on said roll, a movable carriage in which said journals hear, said carriage comprising oppos'ite parallel slide blocks and a connecting liar rigidly connecting said slide blocks, fixed guide Ways for said blocks on said support, springs secured to said carriage and to said support for yieldingly holding said roll against said note sheet, and means for holding said pressure roll out of contact with said note sheet and tracker to permit access thereto.

CHRISTIAN Manama, JR. 

